The large group of 16 men suspected of robbing two retail stores in the Goldfields Mall appeared in the Welkom Magistrates’ Court on Friday 26 June. They are facing charges of business robbery, attempted murder, and possession of stolen property.

They are all remanded in custody and the matter was postponed to 3 July for bail information, says Sgt. Palesa Thabana of the Lejweleputswa police.

In a major breakthrough against organised crime, a seamless, swift and cross-provincial operation dealt a significant blow to criminal syndicates, which led to the arrest of the 16 suspects linked to a high-stakes double business robbery at the Goldfields Mall in Welkom.

The suspects allegedly targeted two clothing retail stores at the mall at around 19:45 on Wednesday, making off with luxury clothing, watches, and perfumes worth an estimated R900 000.

Private security officers responded immediately and launched a high-speed pursuit after the suspects fled in multiple getaway vehicles. A shootout broke out during the chase between the suspects and security personnel, although no injuries or fatalities were reported.

Police tactical units, including the Welkom Public Order Police (POP), Welkom K9 unit and the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, assisted in the operation.

The police intercepted the first group of suspects between Welkom and Odendaalsrus, where four men were arrested. Officers recovered a substantial quantity of the stolen merchandise and seized a white Kia Sportage and a white Nissan NP300 bakkie, both loaded with the looted goods.

Information gathered at the scene led investigators to additional getaway vehicles heading towards neighbouring provinces.

Acting on the intelligence, police members in Orkney and Stilfontein intercepted a white Toyota Quantum minibus, arresting nine suspects. Police recovered four handguns and ammunition from the vehicle. The firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they were used in other crimes.

In a separate operation, the police in Villiers intercepted a blue Hyundai i20, leading to the arrest of the remaining three suspects. The vehicle was also confiscated.

Police investigations are continuing and additional charges may follow.

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